President's Message
 "Possibly our actions generally as a nation are misinterpreted because we misinterpret the effects of our actions." Angelo P. Creticos, M.D.
Mrs. Ruth M. Rothstein, Chief of Cook County Bureau of Health Services, presents the key note address to the Washington Square Health Foundation Board of Directors and their guests, Executives from over 25 not-for-profit health care organizations at the 2003 Annual Grant Information Exchange Dinner.
This year I have decided to reprint as my Annual Message the Guest Speaker's Presentation, entitled "Reflections on the Chicagoland Health Care System" at our Annual Grant Information Exchange Dinner held this past December by Mrs. Ruth M. Rothstein,Chief of the Cook County Bureau of Health Services since 1991. Mrs. Rothstein has distinguished herself as one of the foremost leaders in developing accessible and comprehensive health care services in the Chicagoland area. Among her many accomplishments, she has created national models for access and delivery of health care services for residents of medically and economically disadvantaged communities.

She currently serves or has served on numerous boards, commissions and committees, including the American Hospital Assoc., IL Health & Hospitals Assoc., Nat’l Assoc. of Public Hospitals, IL Health Care Cost Containment Council, the University of Chicago Health Policy Research Council, Finch University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School, Inst. for Diversity in Health Management, the Jewish Women’s Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago, and as VP of the Jewish Federation Board of Directors.

President Angelo P. Creticos MD presents a check to Mrs. Ruth M. Rothstein, Chief of Cook County Bureau of Health Services for a grant made to the County Care Foundation, for the Cook County Bureau of Health Services.
Among the many recognitions that she has received for her contributions to the field of health care and her community are the Chicago Civic Federation’s Lyman Gage Award for Individual Civic Achievement, the American Hospital Assoc. Russe Award, the Chicago Minority Business Development Council’s Impact Award, the Chicago Institute of Medicine’s Russe Citation for Compassion in Medicine, and Rush University’s highest honor, the Trustee Medal. She holds an Honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from Kenyon College, and an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Rush University.

I believe Mrs. Rothstein's presentation is an excellent review of the historical roots of today's health care crisis, as well as an insightful analysis of the pertinent issues.